Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was left furious after Ademola Lookman was mistakenly substituted in their defeat against Lazio over the weekend.
Atalanta lost their third consecutive match on Sunday and extended their winless run at home, where they haven’t grabbed the three points since December 22.
To make things worse, the Nigerian international was mistakenly substituted in the 74th minute.
However, reports in the Italian media suggest that Gasperini wanted to make an attacking substitution, replacing Ederson with Lazar Samardzic.
The Italian tactician reportedly told the team manager to take out Ederson, calling him ‘Ede’, but he was misunderstood as the Atalanta staff member thought Gasperini said ‘Ade’, standing for Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini only realised there had been a misunderstanding when he saw Lookman’s number on the electronic board and could do nothing to avoid his substitution.
Ederson was still replaced four minutes later, making room for Marco Brescianini.
Gasperini had previously subbed off Italy international Mateo Retegui, who looked visibly unhappy on the Atalanta bench.
Atalanta will hope to return to winning ways when they host Bologna at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday.
